Lead levels in whole blood of an adult population group from Rome

Pb-blood levels of 801 adult non-occupationally exposed subjects from Rome are reported. The investigation was carried out according to EEC Directive No. 77/312 with acceptable quality control of analytical data. A mean Pb-blood level of 173 micrograms/l (198 micrograms/l for males and 150 micrograms/l for females) was found; good correlations were found between Pb-blood levels and age, sex and smoking habits but no correlation was found in relation to drinking habits, residence and other variables which were examined. In the present survey all the three EEC reference levels were observed.     

Trace element concentrations in skin of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the southeast Atlantic coast

Concentrations of trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, U, V, Zn) and total mercury (THg) were determined in skin samples collected from free-ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations. Dolphins were captured in the estuarine waters of Charleston (CHS), South Carolina (n=74) and the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida (n=75) during 2003, 2004 and 2005. A subset of the skin tissue samples were used to determine methylmercury (MeHg) levels in CHS (n=17) and IRL (n=8) bottlenose dolphins. Distributions of trace element concentrations by age (adult vs. juvenile), gender (male vs. female) and study area (CHS vs. IRL) were examined. In general, higher elemental skin concentrations were found in CHS adult males than those of IRL adult males, except for THg and MeHg. For CHS dolphins, adult females showed significantly higher THg levels than juvenile females while higher Mn levels were found in juvenile females. For IRL dolphins, adult males showed significantly higher As concentrations than that in juvenile males and females while higher Co and V levels were found in juvenile males than adult males. Of all elements measured in this study, significantly higher levels of Fe, Se and Zn concentrations in skin tissue of both dolphin populations were similar to other studies reported previously. Percentage of MeHg/THg in skin tissue of CHS and IRL dolphin was about 72% and 73%, respectively. Dietary levels of trace elements may play an important role in contributing to concentration differences for As, Co, Mn, Sb, Se, THg and Tl between CHS and IRL dolphins. Total Hg concentrations were significantly correlated with the age of CHS dolphins, while an inverse relationship was detected for Cu, Mn, Pb, U and Zn. The only significant correlation found between trace element concentration and IRL dolphins' age was Mn. Geographic differences in several trace element concentrations (As, Co, Mn, Sb, Se, THg and Tl) in skin tissue may be potentially useful to discriminate between dolphin populations and is a possibility that warrants further investigation.     

Urinary chromium levels in subjects living in two north Italy regions

The concentration of total urinary chromium (Cr-U) in two different groups of healthy occupationally non-exposed subjects living in the Italian regions of Lombardia and Veneto has been determined using an ETA-AAS direct method. The age, sex, residence and smoking habits were correlated with CrU excretion. The mean CrU value found in subjects living in Lombardia (n = 310, males 170 and females 140) was 0.59 + 0.26 microgram/l (range 0.08 - 2.10); in Veneto subjects (n = 238, males 187 and females 51) the mean value was 0.52 +/- 0.31 microgram/l (range 0.05 - 1.90). A significative difference between male and female values and a decrease of CrU levels with age increasing have been evidenced in both groups. Smoking habits seem to influence metal urinary levels while, on the other hand, no influence of living sites was observed. Some analytical problems of ETA-AAS Cr determination systems are discussed and "normal" CrU values measured in this study are compared with data reported in the literature.     

Serum selenium concentration in a representative sample of the Canarian population

The concentration of serum selenium in 395 individuals (187 males + 218 females) living in the Canary Islands, Spain was determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean selenium concentration was 74.7 +/- 25.2 microg/l ranging between 7.86 and 182.3 microg/l. Twenty-two adults (7.2% of the total) had serum selenium concentrations under 45 microg/l. It is widely accepted that below this selenium serum concentration (45 microg/l) there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Our results fall within data recently published in other Spanish and European regions and are much lower than data observed in USA or seleniferous regions. The estimated Se intakes of our population were lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowances for American people. Individuals from Lanzarote had a mean Se concentration significantly higher than individuals from the other islands. This could be attributed to differences in Se content of soil and/or differences in dietary habits of the populations. Serum selenium concentration did not vary with the sex of the subjects. Individuals younger than 14 years old had a serum selenium concentration significantly lower than the rest of the individuals. No relationship with socio-economic status, educational level, smoking habits, physical exercise or beer consumption was found. However, individuals who consume wine more than three times a week showed higher selenium concentrations than individuals with lower consumption. Also, individuals with consumption above seven units of spirit drinks a week had the highest mean selenium concentration.     

Association of selected social, environmental and constitutional factors to blood lead levels in men aged 55-75 years.

Blood lead (B-Pb) levels were determined in 1802 out of 1856 non-occupationally exposed men aged 55-75 years living in the Rome area who participated, between 1989 and 1990, in an epidemiological survey for coronary heart disease (New Risk Factors Project). The median B-Pb level was 113 micrograms/l (10th-90th centiles: 74-180 micrograms/l) and only 0.7 per cent (n = 14) of the subjects had B-Pb values higher than 300 micrograms/l. B-Pb levels were significantly and positively associated to alcohol consumption. Moderate and heavy drinkers had median B-Pb level of 143 micrograms/l (10th-90th centiles: 92-233) and 165 micrograms/l (10th-90th centiles: 102-285) respectively, whereas non-drinkers had a median B-Pb level of 96 micrograms/l (10th-90th centiles: 66-143). The influence of smoking habits was less relevant. Subjects who never smoked and subjects smoking more than 20 cigarettes daily had median B-Pb levels of 103 and 133 micrograms/l, respectively. Individuals classified as habitual car-drivers had slightly higher Pb levels than non-drivers. Subjects classified as manual workers had higher B-Pb levels in comparison with non-manual workers and retired subjects. B-Pb levels were directly related to HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C, r = 0.2252) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT, r = 0.2207) serum levels. The alleged alcohol consumption was more related to B-Pb level (r = 0.3848) than to serum level of HDL-C (r = 0.2474) or gamma-GT (r = 0.2469). A significant correlation (r = 0.2409) also existed between B-Pb and blood cadmium levels (B-Cd). Subjects with a low Gaensler ratio, an index of respiratory function, had higher B-Pb levels. In multiple regression analyses alcohol intake was the most important predictor of B-Pb level, explaining more (14.27%) of the total variance than did B-Cd (4.98%), HDL-C (1.89%), driving habits (1.46%), gamma-GT (1.09%), skinfold thickness (0.96%), and Gaensler index (0.38%). The risk ratio of having B-Pb level higher than 180 micrograms/l (90th centile of B-Pb distribution in our subjects) was 5.3 (95% CI: 2.7-10.4) for drinkers versus non-drinkers and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.2-3.1) for current smokers versus subjects who had never smoked. B-Pb was, at least in our subjects, a more specific and sensitive objective index of alcohol consumption than gamma-GT and HDL-C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Evaluation of selenium in biological sample of arsenic exposed female skin lesions and skin cancer patients with related to non-exposed skin cancer patients

The antagonistic effects between selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) suggest that low Se status plays an important role in arsenism development. The objective of present study was to assess Se contents in biological samples of As exposed females have skin lesions and cancer with related to non-exposed skin cancer patients. The biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of As exposed group comprises, female skin cancer (ESC) patients admitted in cancer hospitals have skin lesions (ESL) and exposed referents have not both diseases (ER), belongs to As exposed area of Pakistan. For comparative purposes, age matched female skin cancerous patient (RP) and non-cancerous females (NER) belong to non-exposed areas were also selected. The As and Se in acid digests of biological samples were pre-concentrated by complexing with chelating agent (ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate), and resulted complexes were extracted into non-ionic extractant (Triton X-114), prior to analysis by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The enhancement factor of about 25 was obtained by pre-concentrating 10 mL of sample solutions. The accuracy of the optimized procedure was evaluated by using certified reference material (BCR 397) with certified values for Se and As and standard addition method at three concentration levels in real samples. No significant differences was observed (p > 0.05) when comparing the values obtained by the proposed method, added and certified values of both elements. The biological samples of ESC patients had 2-3 folds higher As and lower Se levels as compared to RP (p < 0.001). Understudied exposed referents have high level of As and lower Se contents as compared to referents subjects of non-exposed area (p < 0.01). The higher concentration of As and lower levels of Se in biological samples of cancerous patients are consisted with reported studies.     

Mast cell activation in acquired chronic urticaria-angioedema

Mast cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of many allergic disorders. They can be activated in different ways. The present study was focused to evaluate the role of mast cells in acquired chronic urticaria-angioedema induced by gastroesophageal reflux. Tryptase, an important marker of mast cell activation, was detected with UniCap Tryptase Fluoroenzymeimmunoassay (Pharmacia & Upjohn AB, Uppsala, Sweden). Eight subjects were studied: four males and four females, aged between 29 and 71 years (mean age: 45 yrs.), suffering from acquired chronic urticaria-angioedema. Results were compared with the results of seven healthy control subjects. Moreover, data were compared with those of 13 subjects (10 males and 3 females, mean age: 24.7 years) suffering from allergic rhinitis. In acquired chronic urticaria-angioedema, serum tryptase levels (mean +/- S.D.: 9.6 +/- 4.3 microg/l) were significantly higher (P < 0.007) than those of the controls (mean +/- S.D.: 3.0 +/- 1.2 microg/l) and higher also than in allergic rhinitis (mean +/- S.D.: 6.1 +/- 2.4 microg/l, P < 0.03). The results underline the central role of mast cells in the inflammation of acquired chronic urticaria-angioedema.     

Plasma levels of copper, manganese and selenium in an adult population in southern Spain: Influence of age, obesity and lifestyle factors

Copper, manganese and selenium are elements involved in protecting the body against oxidative stress. Determining their plasma level may contribute to assessing the health and nutritional status of populations. The aim of this study was to assess factors influencing copper, manganese and selenium plasma levels in an adult Mediterranean population and to identify groups at risk of deficiency. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Andalusia, a region in southern Spain. Blood samples were obtained in a random subsample of 340 subjects. Food consumption was assessed by 48-h recall. Height, weight, skinfolds, waist and hip circumferences were measured. Copper, manganese and selenium were measured in plasma. Information about physical exercise, educational level, alcohol and smoking habits was obtained with a structured questionnaire. Plasma copper was found to be higher in women than among men. Hypocupraemia was found in 4.4% of the population, while 9.7% presented hypomanganesemia. Moreover, 86.5% presented plasma selenium values below 125 µg/L (cutoff for optimal glutathione peroxidase activity). No association was found between plasma elements, anthropometric indices and lifestyle factors; there were tendencies, no more. Copper tended to decrease in obese and increase in sedentary, while selenium tended to decrease among smokers. Plasma Cu was positively correlated with the consumption of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Plasma Mn was directly correlated with the consumption of dairy products. Levels of Se were positively correlated with age, the consumption of fruit, vegetables, energy obtained from carbohydrates, and the consumption of fibre, and inversely correlated with the consumption of meat and sweets. Our results provide an estimate of the copper, manganese and selenium status in the adult population of southern Spain. The correlations found for Se suggest that there is a tendency for Se levels to be better maintained among the population that shows a stronger preference for the traditional diet.     

Selenium in soils,spermatophytes and bryophytes around a Zn-Pb smelter,New South Wales,Australia

Blood and serum samples from 372 15-year-old adolescents were collected in two cities in Sweden and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The objective was to (1) determine the levels of 13 elements in blood and serum from the teenagers; and (2) for each element, investigate the correlation between the concentrations in blood and serum. The concentrations in blood and serum were generally in line with that usually reported for the essential elements Co, Cu, Zn and Se, and generally low for the 'non-essential' elements Cd, Hg, Pb. The median concentrations were in blood and serum, respectively: of Co 0.31 and 0.48 microg/l, Cu 0.92 and 1.0 mg/l, Zn 6.1 and 0.99 mg/l, Se 110 and 100 microg/l, Rb 2.8 and 0.24 mg/l, Hg 1.1 and 0.44 microg/l, Pb 16 and 0.33 microg/l. The median concentration of W in blood was <0.2 microg/l (below the detection limit) and in serum 0.087 microg/l. The median concentrations of Cd, Rh, Pd, Pt and Tl were below the detection limits. Statistically significant correlations were found between the concentrations in blood and serum for Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, W, Hg and Pb. The levels presented in this study constitute baseline levels or levels generally not exceeded in adolescents for 13 elements, including essential, ubiquitous toxic, and rare elements.     

Dental lead levels in residents from industrial and suburban areas of Kuwait

The present study describes lead concentrations in whole incisor teeth (non-carious) of 216 Kuwaiti resident's aged 3-74, collected from industrial and suburban areas of Kuwait. The mean concentration of lead in all age groups (3-74) showed a significant correlation between both the sexes. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between lead levels of males compared with industrial and suburban areas. A similar correlation was also noted in the case of females supporting that industrial residents were more exposed to lead levels than those in suburban areas. A further significant correlation was noted between males and females of industrial and suburban areas which showed that males accumulate more lead concentration than females. A significant correlation was not observed when each age group was compared with that of the respective sexes representing industrial and suburban areas. However, a significant correlation was noted when lead levels in each age group was compared with that of the other age groups except in age groups ranging 35-42. The mean lead levels of 216 teeth were in the range 2.21-2.50 micrograms/g which is less than the range indicated by other investigators in the recent past.     

Pollutants in harp seals (Phoca groenlandica). II. Heavy metals and selenium

Between 1976 and 1978, 248 harp seals were sampled from five locations in the Northwest Atlantic and Arctic for heavy metal and selenium residue analyses in tissue. Significant loading was apparent only in blood, brain, kidney, liver and muscle. Samples were analysed for mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The seals carried higher levels of Cd than of the other metals. Residue levels of Cd were highest in kidney tissue; levels of other metals were highest in liver. Both males and females bioaccumulated Cd, Hg and Se.Cd, Hg, Se and Cu residues were detected in tissue from neonatal seals, indicating that transplacental and transmammary transfer of these elements had occurred. Despite the passage of residues from mother to pup, females bore significantly higher levels of Hg and Cd than males. Conversely, levels of Cu, Se or Pb did not appear to differ significantly between sexes. There was considerable individual variation in residue levels. This, coupled with the extensive annual migration undergone by these animals, made it difficult to arrive at definite conclusions regarding geographic accumulation patterns.     

Vanadium levels in hair and blood of normal and exposed persons.

Vanadium was determined by both instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and NAA with radiochemical separation (RNAA) in hair of normal children and of children potentially exposed by accidental drinking of vanadium contaminated water (long-term, low-dose exposure). Vanadium hair levels in the two groups did not differ significantly and were in the range 46-313 micrograms/kg (median 98 micrograms/kg) and 24-235 micrograms/kg (median 88 micrograms/kg for the normal and exposed groups, respectively. Using RNAA with proven reliability at the ultratrace level, vanadium was determined in whole blood of the exposed and normal children, normal adults and workers professionally exposed to vanadium in a factory producing vanadium pentoxide. Significantly increased vanadium concentrations were found in blood of exposed children (range 0.018-0.239 micrograms/l, median 0.078 micrograms/l) compared to normal children (range 0.024-0.226 micrograms/l, median 0.042 micrograms/l), while no differences could be detected between blood vanadium levels of normal children and normal adults (range 0.032-0.095 micrograms/l, median 0.056 micrograms/l). Preliminary results for vanadium in blood of occupationally highly exposed persons showed values 2-4 orders of magnitude higher than in normal adults.     

Blood lead and associated risk factors in Ontario children

The purpose of this study was to determine blood levels in Ontario children and to identify those risk factors associated with higher blood lead levels. A random sample of 1315 children aged 7 and younger from urban, suburban and rural Ontario was selected. Blood lead concentration was determined in finger prick blood samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Measurements of lead in air, tap water, soil, and gasoline were also established. Traffic pattern were determined in each area. A questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 800 families of the children tested to assess the presence of other risk factors. Urban children had higher geometric mean blood lead levels (12.02, S.D. = 4.4 micrograms/dl) than suburban children (9.95, S.D. = 3.5 micrograms/dl), and they, in turn, had higher blood lead levels than rural children (8.91, S.D. = 3.9 micrograms/dl). Each of these differences is statistically significant (p less than 0.001). Fifty four (4.3%) of all children were at or above the alert level of 20 micrograms/dl. The proportion above the alert level did not differ significantly between urban, suburban and rural children. Blood lead levels were slightly higher for males than females and for pre-schoolers aged 3 and 4, compared to school age children aged 5 and 6. The blood lead levels of these children were significantly lower than that of children surveyed near a point source of industrial emissions. Multivariate statistical modelling resulted in a set of characteristics which best explained the differences in children's blood lead levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Fish as a source of exposure to mercury and selenium.

In a total of 395 subjects with varying fish consumption habits, mercury levels in whole blood (B-Hg), and selenium levels in plasma (P-Se) were studied. Also, in subcohorts, mercury levels in blood cells (Ery-Hg; n = 79), plasma (P-Hg; n = 158) and urine (U-Hg; n = 125) were analysed. There were statistically significant associations between fish intake on the one hand, and B-Hg, Ery-Hg and P-Hg, on the other, but not so with U-Hg. In subjects who never had fish, the average B-Hg was 1.8 ng/g, in subjects who had at least two fish meals each week, 6.7 ng/g. Ery-Hg, and to a less extent P-Hg, were associated with levels of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in serum phosphatidylcholine. P-Hg and U-Hg were associated with numbers of teeth with amalgam fillings. P-Se also correlated with fish intake. In subjects who never had fish, P-Se averaged 80 micrograms/l, in subjects who had at least two fish meals per week, 91 micrograms/l. There was an association between PUFA and P-Se. Further, there were statistically significant associations between P-Se on the one hand, and B-Hg, Ery-Hg and P-Hg on the other. The data clearly demonstrate the importance of fish for the exposure to methylmercury and selenium in the Swedish diet, and the impact of amalgam as a source of exposure to inorganic mercury.     

Urinary thallium: critical problems, reference values and preliminary results of an investigation in workers with suspected industrial exposure

Using a sensitive ETA ASS method, urinary thallium (Tl-U) has been measured in a group of non-exposed individuals and in two groups of workers with suspected industrial exposure. In non-exposed subjects (72 healthy males aged 41 +/- 11 years) the Tl-U mean value was 0.22 mu/l (range 0.05-0.61). Significantly higher values were found in two groups of workers (30 and 21 subjects) employed in two cement factories and two cast iron foundries (mean Tl-U value: 0.38 and 0.33 mu/l, respectively; range 0.06-1.2). Thallium has been determined in coal, raw materials and, in one factory, also in environmental samples, but no detectable levels were found. The analytical problems connected to urinary thallium determination and the preliminary results of biological monitoring in non-exposed individuals and in workers are discussed.     

Serum selenium in adult Taiwanese

The levels of serum selenium in 2755 individuals (1424 males, 1331 females) in Taiwan were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The average selenium concentration in serum was 110.9 microg/l with a standard deviation of 21.5 microg/l, ranging from 40.5 to 186 microg/l. The observation was higher than those recently reported in European regions but comparable to those observed in the USA or seleniferous regions. Serum selenium level did not vary with the gender, educational levels of the subjects and smoking habits. Serum selenium content seemed drop considerably if one is older than 39 years old. Age and alcohol consumption had statistically significant difference with serum selenium concentration.     

Selenium status in Greenland Inuit

In Greenland, the human intake of selenium has always been relatively high and is closely connected to intake of the traditional food of marine origin. Analyses of historic and present day human and animal hair samples have indicated that the selenium level in the marine environment has been constant over time, while the levels in humans have declined corresponding to a decrease in intake of traditional food. The Inuit population in Greenland is in dietary transition where western-style food will increasingly dominate. As a consequence, the ample supply of selenium may not be sustained in the future. We report here the selenium status in three Greenlandic population groups, Ittoqqortoormiit and Tasiilaq on the east coast and Uummannaq on the west coast. Mean whole blood concentrations ranged from 178 microg/l in Tasiilaq men to 488 microg/l in Uummannaq men. Plasma concentrations ranged from 79 microg/l in Tasiilaq women to 113 microg/l in Uummannaq men. With increasing Se concentrations in whole blood, the plasma concentrations increased but tended to stabilise a level approximately 140 microg/l. Selenium blood levels were highly significantly correlated with long chain marine fatty acids. Dietary survey and food composition data from the west coast showed that whale skin, muktuk, is the main source of Se followed by birds, seal meat and organs, and fish. Terrestrial animals contributed only insignificantly to the selenium intake. In West Greenland, daily Se intake (235 microg/day) was estimated by dietary survey; it corresponded well with a calculated intake (220 microg/day) based on the mean blood concentration.     

Serum and urine selenium concentrations as indicators of body status in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Serum and urine selenium levels were determined in patients with diabetes by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean serum selenium concentrations measured in patients with diabetes mellitus (64.9 +/- 22.8 micrograms/l) were significantly lower than those determined in the control group (74.9 +/- 27.3 micrograms/l) (P < 0.05). Mean serum selenium concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups of diabetic patients considered (P > 0.05). Mean urine selenium concentration in diabetic patients (18.8 +/- 10.7 micrograms/l) were not significantly different from those measured in the control group (20.2 +/- 10.1 micrograms/l) (P < 0.05). No significant differences in serum and urine selenium levels were found if related to sex of patients (P > 0.05). Application of linear regression analysis to serum and urine selenium levels and patients' age showed a non-statistically significant correlation (P > 0.05). Given the marked overlap between the two ranges of the populations, the predictive values of serum selenium in diabetic patients are low.     

Benzene in blood as a biomarker of low level occupational exposure.

The occupational airborne exposure to benzene of 150 workers employed in petrol stations and a refinery plant was assessed using personal sampling pumps. All workers provided blood samples after the end of work and on the following morning before resuming work. Benzene concentrations in the blood of 243 non-occupationally-exposed subjects were also measured. The median occupational benzene exposure for all 150 workers studied was 80 micrograms/m3. Overall median blood benzene of all workers was 251 ng/l at the end of the shift, and 174 ng/l the following morning. The benzene concentrations measured in blood collected the following morning proved to be significantly lower than those measured at the end of the shift. Median blood benzene for the 243 'normal' subjects was 128 ng/l, which was significantly lower than that measured in the workers before a new work shift. The median blood benzene concentration was significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers, both in the general population (210 ng/l vs. 110 ng/l) and in the exposed workers at the end of the shift (476 ng/l vs. 132 ng/l) and the following morning (360 ng/l vs. 99 ng/l). End-of-shift blood benzene correlated significantly with environmental exposure; this correlation was better in the 83 non-smokers than in the 67 smokers. In non-smokers with the median benzene occupational exposure of 50 micrograms/m3, no difference was found in blood benzene concentration in exposed and non-exposed subjects.     

Trace elements in hair of epileptic and normal subjects

The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and Cu in scalp hair of 101 epileptic patients (48 males and 53 females, average age 25 years) and 101 normal subjects (47 males and 54 females, average age 22 years) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mercury was also determined in some samples. The aim of this investigation was to use scalp hair as a possible indicator of trace element abnormality and to determine whether or not differences in their levels might occur due to this neurological disorder. The results showed significant differences in Fe, Cu, Mg and Zn in the hair between the two groups but no differences were observed in the levels of Ca and Hg. The high Mg and low Zn content in the hair of epileptic patients is reported as of particular interest in the investigation of this neurological disorder.